But blog brother Matt Wilson of the Pistons-related blog Detroit Bad Boys.com suggests that Gregg Popovich’s stamp of approval should play a part in the Pistons’ hiring.

Wilson said that Popovich’s ready embracement of Sampson after he was let go by the Indiana University for NCAA violations should be an endorsement. Sampson’s violations for too many text messages should show a work ethic admirable for an NBA coach, Wilson states.

Considering Budenholzer’s deep institutional knowledge of the Spurs’ organization, he would be a strong candidate to help revive the Pistons, Wilson writes.

“Besides, if Popovich, the NBA’s premier coach in the NBA’s most stable organization, gives someone a stamp of approval, the Pistons would be silly not to consider him … which brings us to Pop’s top assistant for the past four years, Mike Budenholzer. By all accounts Budenholzer is considered Popovich’s heir apparent, but considering he’s already interviewed for the Warriors job, he seems to be growing restless waiting for Pop to retire.

“Budenholzer has spent the past 15 years on San Antonio’s bench, which is reason enough for him to move to the forefront of my own personal wish list. The Pistons are in serious need of rebuilding not only the roster but also their culture — and there’s not a better franchise than the Spurs after which I’d like to see the Pistons model themselves.”

So if Budenholzer doesn’t get the job with the Golden State Warriors, it sounds like he’s already got some admirers in Detroit.

The Golden State job would provide a better opportunity. The fresh ownership and addition of Jerry West make it a franchise likely to emerge over the next few years. And the Pacific Division looks to be more winnable with Kobe Bryant’s career on the downside.

But Detroit is a strong franchise with much previous success. Budenholzer could do much worse than the Pistons.